Without question, Dr. Steve Nguyen is the go to TKR surgeon. He replaced my left knee 11 years ago and I'm still pain free and mobile. I recommend being diligent with respect to physical rehab, which should cover about three months. I was back to bowling soon after rehab with no ill side effects, even to this day.
He does the side approach, and I've heard he now does it as an out patient, though I can't confirm that.
I put up with knee pain since high school, so my experience says "get it replaced " as soon as Dr. Nguyen is available. Good Luck!!!
Steve Nguyen, MD, FAAOS | Joint Replacement Surgeon and Orthopaedic Surgeon Orlando FL